Categotry Archives: Friday Fictioneers
An Adventure
Two young fairies left the confines of their magic mushroom circle to see the world. “What could this be?” The first fairy put his hand on the surface of something big. “It’s like a tree, but dead.” “Could it be a wall?” The second fairy nearly fell over from leaning backwards in search of the top. “It’s too big to be a wall.” “The elders always said the world is much bigger than we realize, and that there is a […]
Have you seen her?
Emily has been walking for fifty two days now. She just got up one day and started out. We don’t know why. All she’s got is what will fit in one little backpack and our good will. If she lets us know where she is, we send money. So far she’s never hung around long enough for us to catch up. No need to try and bring her home. She won’t stay. She’s full grown now. Not much we can […]
In Comparison
“This is the perfect symbol for my love.” Liam pointed to the mass of dark crystals in the museum. “They are long and barbed like frozen fireworks splayed in all directions. Each crystal is very sharp and dangerous, yet delicate and brittle. Only gentle care will keep it intact.” He gave Sally a meaningful look. “Your love? Your love is more like real fireworks – all flash and heat. No, if these symbolize anyone’s love, it would be mine.” Sally […]
From the Porch
Trigvey gave the screwdriver a turn. It slipped from the screw and gouged the ceiling boards of the front porch. The ladder under him shifted and clattered. “Here, let me do that.” Diana set down a tray holding two glasses and a pitcher of lemonade. “You’re a lot better with a scalpel than with a screwdriver.” “I’ll do it. I’m the man of the house.” “I bet you wouldn’t say that to Suzie.” “No one tells Suzie what to do. […]
Broke
Previously in Jack and Jill: No one thinks grandpa can handle babysitting grandkid without sending her home with a pocket full of money The theme for this week’s Jack and Jill is “broke” as suggested by Brian Miller Want to see what I can do with a word or phrase? Make a suggestion. I guess this one is a little obscure. What’s your guess?
Switch
Liam, Alicia, and Sally sat around in Alicia’s half-finished basement. “Not much to look at, is it,” Sally said. “How many more years until your father turns this into a den?” “Who knows.” Alicia shrugged. “Well, I think it’s fine the way it is. No one but us wants to come here even though there’s a mini fridge and a couch and even a TV. Think about it.” He jumped onto the arm of the broken down sofa and struck […]
The Big Picture
Becky’s daddy is a photographer for a big magazine. He goes all over the world to places with wars and disasters, and what her mommy calls, “the worries of the world”. When he isn’t gone, he likes to go out on the lake in an old boat he says he’s had forever. When he is gone Becky goes out to the boat in the yard and plays pirate. One day he came home in time to get a picture. It’s […]
Proper Place
Fork on the left. Knife on the right turned with the sharp edge toward the plate so no one could be accidentally cut. Then comes the spoon, then soup spoon, salad fork, desert fork. He remembered all the details from his years of service as a butler. He set four places – as many as his humble table would hold. Once done, he stood by the window, and took in the view. Fifty years of service for a gold watch […]
Hitching a Ride
“This is great! Isn’t this great?” The kid grinned like he knew Toby, even though they’d met on this misbegotten corner of Chicago only half an hour ago. “Hitchhiking Historic Route 66.” The kid seemed to think is was safe just because he wasn’t a girl. Well, he must be in his early twenties and topped Toby by at least six inches. He had a pathetic excuse for a beard, and shaggy hair but about as much street smarts as […]
Whacha Looking At
“Hey. Whacha looking at?” Alicia came up next to Sally in the barn. “You don’t want to know.” Sally waved her off, but stayed in a crouch. “Is it kittens again? I love kittens.” Alicia gave Sally a little shove. “Seriously. You don’t want to know.” Sally shoved back, but not hard. “That isn’t fair! Let me see. Let me see.” Alicia hopped in place. “All right, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Sally stepped back. Alicia crouched to […]
Close
Matt and Martin met on the South River Walkway. Martin was taking pictures of some trash left by receding waters. “Documenting the travesties of the Capitalist System,” Matt asked. “Documenting the loss of bird habitat,” Martin answered. “Same thing.” “Not necessarily. You don’t have to overthrow the government to clean up a habitat. Although the way the city council ignores the issue….” “Of course we have to overthrow the government! Only a completely new form of government will solve all […]
The Chatter of Seeds
The snow got in Matt’s socks as he slogged his way to the money tree. Paper thin, silver dollar sized pods wrapped around mustard seed sized cores rattled dryly in the winter breeze. He grabbed the brittle branches and gave it a shake to loosen the weight of snow. Cold filled the gap between jacket and glove. “This is a perfect analogy for the cold and unfeeling modern economic climate and the travesty of capitalism.” He couldn’t wait to share […]
Following the Signs
“Where are we going today?” Alicia skipped backwards. “The movies? A restaurant? Shopping?” “You make it sound like we’re going on a date.” Liam grumbled as he turned at the detour sign. “Shouldn’t we? Go on a date, I mean.” “No!” He crossed the lawn to the library. “I have told you many a time that I can not return your love, for I already love another.” “Not the library! I don’t want to go there.” Alicia followed a step […]
Tired
He snapped and growled at anyone who came too close to his junk yard, as surly as his dog. “Leave them tires alone! It might look like junk to you, but it’s valuable to me. Did you know I once built a house out of tires like these? Fill ‘em with dirt and they’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Don’t be trying to throw ‘em out!” One day someone stole his car. He didn’t […]
Custom Detailing
“I want something really unique,” said Liam to his uncle. He spread his hands and gestured the humongousness of the concept. “Sure, a Studebaker has a certain cache, and a Ferrari has style, but neither of them are really truly unique. I want something that goes beyond the social norms. Something that even Mom would never mistake for her car. Dad said I should talk to you about it.” “I think I have just the car for you. Follow me.” […]
